| Colleen Kappeler Writing Therapy, Writing Coach, Editor Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| WHO AM I? Is there a day that goes by when I don't ask myself that same question? Probably not! But for the purpose of this site, I will give the best explanation I can. I am a writer, a teacher and an editor. I have been writing since I could read - my first journal begins at age 5! I always wanted to tell my stories, to lead others in recognizing their own brilliance, and helping them to express their words as clearly as possible. While studying for a BA in Writing at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, I was offered an opportunity to take on an honors writing fellowship where I learned to teach and edit writing. I was hooked! After graduating, I immediately began teaching writing at several colleges and Universities in and around my home town of Cincinnati. After my son was born and we moved to Wisconsin, I began creating and teaching my own writing workshops and editing for local writers. I have also had the pleasure of creating several writing groups - one of which I still run and couple of which became self-sufficient in leading themselves. It is my constant joy to encourage the enthusiasm of writers and watch as they blossom through their stories. |
| WHERE YOU CAN READ MY WRITING: I have been writing since college where I was first published by creating a pamphlet for use in the short story classes called "Writing About Short Stories." This pamphlet was later picked up by Northern Kentucky University and Cincinnati State. After that I wrote a personal essay for the Christian Science Journal and a non-fiction piece for the Intra fraternity Council of America - published in a number of their 99 national magazines. Since then my writing has focused solely on personal essay work and has been included in MOMSense magazine a few times, Chicken Soup for the Dieter's Soul, Adoption Today magazine, Kenosha News, as a contributing columnist for the online Mommies Magazine and in Expose Kenosha - an online arts magazine. |
| Photo courtesy of Joe Barr Photographer |
| WHAT IS A WRITING COACH? A writing coach works with a writer on the manuscripts they have completed or the projects they want to complete. A coach keeps the writer on track with deadlines and guidelines, as well as provides information on writing techniques, how to get published, and what to do with the writing you complete. |
| WHAT IS WRITING THERAPY? Studies have shown that writing is a successful way to deal with stress, depression, managing your life, and setting and completing personal goals. One-on-one we will work to discover and uncover who you are through your writing. You will be given writing "prompts" to help you begin and get you writing about all areas of your life. We will discuss them and you will receive support and a listening ear. Writing therapy can help you put the past to rest, deal with problems that are occurring now, prepare for the future, and set goals and realize them. It is an exciting way to work through things at your own pace with someone who understands. Read more about Writing Therapy |
| WHAT DOES AN EDITOR DO? As an editor, I will take any piece of writing you have worked on and check it for grammar, punctuation, content, and structure in order to make it "print ready". |
| WHAT DO MY SERVICES COST? WRITING THERAPY: $30 / HOUR WRITING COACH: $30 / HOUR EDITING: $5 / PAGE |
| READ AN INTERVIEW WITH ME ONLINE AT EXPOSEKENOSHA.COM |
What writers are saying about working with Colleen:
Ms. Kappeler has made a significant contribution to my skill level as a
writer. Her ability as a group facilitator leaves each participant with
concrete steps to further their work. Ms. Kappeler brings an intuitive
dexterity to move a writer past a stumbling block in their writing or
overcome a dry spell. As a writing coach she brings a multitude of
publishing ideas and the knack of knowing when to push the writer and
when to back off. - Kathryn C.
Colleen is amazing. She does all of my marketing pieces for me. I can take Colleen all of my random
thoughts and information, and after really listening to what is important to me she turns it into a piece
that not only reflects what I want to say but it also reflects me. This is because not only is she a gifted
writer but she has the ability to put people at ease. - Jeanette Stevenson
Colleen has been incredibly helpful in pulling out what i am trying to say and forming my words to be
direct & powerful. - Racheal Hernandez
I have always wanted to write but didn't have direction or coaching plus a huge fear. Since taking
classes with and working with Colleen Kappeler, I have gained confidence, learned how to organize my
material, and lost my fear of reading my pieces to others. I especially like the way Colleen instructs and
her great way of giving advice for improvement, plus her enthusiasm when something really is well
written. Writing has become the joy I always knew it could be. - Karen Knurr
Colleen Kappeler has a fertile mind! She is an accomplished writer, and skillful editor. She will help
make your work shine and will not surrender your soul in the editing process. She helps writers
unwind in a gentle, nourishing way; the sound of her voice soothes my emotional blocks easing me
into creative nirvana. I can honestly say my personal writing style has blossomed since I have the
privilege to be part of Colleens writer's groups and workshops. She edifies and encourages your writing
forte. I feel I will achieve my writing goals with Colleen as my guide. She is my security blanket
-when you decide to step inside her world of therapeutic writing programs you will be pleasantly
surprised and on your way to prolific writing. - Suzanne Simonovich
Colleen's insight and critique of my work are honest and inspiring. She's helped me blossom as a
writer, more than I could ever have hoped for. I've attended classes and workshops led by esteemed
authors and literary professors but none of them were more motivating or made more of an impact than
Colleen has. Her approach is practical, down to earth and tailor made for each individual. I always
walk away from Colleen's classes believing in my writing and in myself. - Christine Baerbock
There are times when writers' block becomes a wall. Every time that happens to me, you have skillfully
guided me past that barrier. Most recently, when I struggled with a highly emotional piece, you edited
the draft and were able to pinpoint exactly what I was trying to say and where I was getting derailed. As
always, you made valuable, practical suggestions that led to a finished product that conveyed exactly
what I intended to say. Thank you! - Tamara Walters
Ms. Kappeler has made a significant contribution to my skill level as a
writer. Her ability as a group facilitator leaves each participant with
concrete steps to further their work. Ms. Kappeler brings an intuitive
dexterity to move a writer past a stumbling block in their writing or
overcome a dry spell. As a writing coach she brings a multitude of
publishing ideas and the knack of knowing when to push the writer and
when to back off. - Kathryn C.
Colleen is amazing. She does all of my marketing pieces for me. I can take Colleen all of my random
thoughts and information, and after really listening to what is important to me she turns it into a piece
that not only reflects what I want to say but it also reflects me. This is because not only is she a gifted
writer but she has the ability to put people at ease. - Jeanette Stevenson
Colleen has been incredibly helpful in pulling out what i am trying to say and forming my words to be
direct & powerful. - Racheal Hernandez
I have always wanted to write but didn't have direction or coaching plus a huge fear. Since taking
classes with and working with Colleen Kappeler, I have gained confidence, learned how to organize my
material, and lost my fear of reading my pieces to others. I especially like the way Colleen instructs and
her great way of giving advice for improvement, plus her enthusiasm when something really is well
written. Writing has become the joy I always knew it could be. - Karen Knurr
Colleen Kappeler has a fertile mind! She is an accomplished writer, and skillful editor. She will help
make your work shine and will not surrender your soul in the editing process. She helps writers
unwind in a gentle, nourishing way; the sound of her voice soothes my emotional blocks easing me
into creative nirvana. I can honestly say my personal writing style has blossomed since I have the
privilege to be part of Colleens writer's groups and workshops. She edifies and encourages your writing
forte. I feel I will achieve my writing goals with Colleen as my guide. She is my security blanket
-when you decide to step inside her world of therapeutic writing programs you will be pleasantly
surprised and on your way to prolific writing. - Suzanne Simonovich
Colleen's insight and critique of my work are honest and inspiring. She's helped me blossom as a
writer, more than I could ever have hoped for. I've attended classes and workshops led by esteemed
authors and literary professors but none of them were more motivating or made more of an impact than
Colleen has. Her approach is practical, down to earth and tailor made for each individual. I always
walk away from Colleen's classes believing in my writing and in myself. - Christine Baerbock
There are times when writers' block becomes a wall. Every time that happens to me, you have skillfully
guided me past that barrier. Most recently, when I struggled with a highly emotional piece, you edited
the draft and were able to pinpoint exactly what I was trying to say and where I was getting derailed. As
always, you made valuable, practical suggestions that led to a finished product that conveyed exactly
what I intended to say. Thank you! - Tamara Walters
| Coming this April: a women's weekend retreat at the historic DeKoven Center in Racine. |